A New Jersey high school football team made history Wednesday night, winning the program’s first New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Group 4 Championship game.
The Winslow Township Eagles defeated Phillipsburg High School 35-0 to finish the season undefeated with a 14-0 record.
Earlier in the day Wednesday, Winslow Township High School held a spirited farewell as students showed pride in their football team.
“This is a special moment for our football team. For our students, our school and our community,” said Principal Kurt Marella. “It’s something to celebrate.”
Students and staff filled the high school gym Wednesday for a pep rally before the Eagles’ state championship game.
“I think the school has been around for 67 years, and this is the first time we’ve ever been to a state championship,” Marella said. “It’s a pretty big deal.”
“It’s a great feeling to see the community rally behind this team,” coach Bill Belton said. “It’s a great moment for the school.”
Both the principal and head football coach graduated from Winslow Township. They say this winning team has united the school and the community.
And this moment is even more meaningful for the seniors who hope to finish their final season on top.
“I think it’s great. I’ve never seen anything like it,” Marcus Upton said. “I’ve never seen anything like this at school. I think it’s great.”
“It’s a blessing to have all the smiles coming into play here,” Cameron Miller said. “Focused, concentrated and ready to go out with a bang and finish this year with an undefeated season.”
Ryan Hughes
